5D BIM/VDC will ensure the profitability of Bonava’s projects

15. January 2018

Bonava have signed a global agreement with Sigma Estimates

One of Northern Europe’s leading companies in design and residential development, Bonava, is entering into a global agreement with the software company Sigma Estimates. This agreement forms part of a clear strategy to digitalize Bonava’s entire production flow across operations in all countries, as well as delivering accurate pricing estimates in the very early stages of their projects.

Bonava will replace their existing estimation systems with the new 5D BIM estimation software from Sigma Estimates, which globally becomes an important part of Bonava’s VDC portfolio. The plan is to implement the Sigma program in all 8 operating countries during 2017-2018.

With Sigma implemented across all countries, our design and development teams will get a digital estimation workflow, with everyone having instant access to updated data. In addition, the production managers will gain a better financial overview throughout the entire construction process because data can now flow freely between Sigma and our other systems, explains Patrik Lindvall, Global Head of VDC at Bonava.

Automatic live-link ensures precise prices

Having live data flowing across all platforms was crucial in Bonava’s selection of Sigma as a future BIM/VDC partner. The Sigma program is built on an open API that allows integration with other programs and apps. Another important factor in Bonava’s decision is that Sigma is easily integrated with their purchasing systems and reporting platforms.

For Bonava one of the most important features of the Sigma program is the direct Live-Link with the 3D building and design program, Autodesk Revit. This means Bonava’s employees have an integrated solution where they can instantly see the impact of their decisions, for example their choice of material in the 3D model is reflected in the price of the 5D model.

The Live-Link between 3D and 5D means we can now make choices based on accurate information. It helps ensure precise pricing, while providing better management early in the process, and these are paramount parameters for us, says Patrik Lindvall.

5D is the next big win in BIM

Sigma Estimates, who also recently entered into a global agreement with the engineering and construction company Rambøll, sees a clear trend for businesses in the construction industry to use 5D BIM to optimize and control project costs by being able, for example, to save time, reduce errors, quickly update the pricing models and automate quality assurance.

In addition to financial modelling, 5D in BIM also improves the quality assurance of the data in the model – so 5D is also about data management, with error-free data flowing freely to other systems. Additionally, 5D provides data to subsequent processes, such as Planning, Facilities Management etc. and we now see 5D continually gaining momentum, says Business Consultant Susanne Lund.

For Bonava the selection of Sigma also depended on other things. Together with Sigma’s strategic collaboration with Autodesk and Sigma’s open API, the company has the best opportunities for customizing and integrating solutions as the need arises. This deep integration is possible with external systems and databases through apps.

As digitalization increases, it is now more crucial than ever that data flows freely between systems and that it is easy and fast to integrate 100 percent with precisely the solutions companies need in the day-to-day running of their businesses, explains Susanne Lund.